Patrick Mouratoglou thinks Novak Djokovic will be playing until over the age of 40 because of his exceptional fitness.
The Frenchman believes Djokovic is “the best athlete” in tennis and praised the 24-time GS Champion’s body as “extremely young for his age.” The Serbian has clinched three of the four majors in 2023 and was only a set away from completing the calendar slam before losing the five-set historic final to Carlos Alcaraz. Djokovic has now won 12 Grand Slam titles in his 30s and boasts a mindboggling 12-3 record in majors since entering 30s.
Moreover, this is the fourth season of the legendary Serb where he has bagged at least three majors – a record in men’s tennis. Before earning three slams in 2023, Djokovic has previously repeated the feat in 2021, 2015 and 2011.
The 36-year old defeated Daniil Medvedev in straight sets to clinch the 2023 US Open title earlier last month as he registered record 10th final appearance for a fourth trophy at Flushing Meadows. Djokovic will be returning at the Paris Masters 1000 in the first week of November. He last competed at the Davis Cup group stage to represent his home nation in Malaga.
The renowned coach shared a video on his Instagram account in which he lauded the unparalleled longevity of the world No. 1.
“I haven’t seen ever a player of 36 years old that is in that shape. The fact that he’s incredibly serious and focused made him become the best athlete because I think he’s the best athlete,” analysed the Frenchman.
“I still think that he can go over 40. I’m not saying he’s gonna do it because it’s all also about motivation. Of course, he can get injured. Anyone can get injured. And I think his body is extremely young for his age. Extremely young. I mean, it’s quite obvious. You see him move on the court.
“His court coverage, his ability to recover – is the consequence of all his years of discipline, working every day with the best professionals and looking always for new techniques to improve.
“He is completely driven by – of course by setting records – but also making sure that his body is gonna stay with him as long as possible so he can achieve his goals.”
Mouratoglou who coaches at his academy Mouratoglou Tennis Academy in France has worked with tennis stars like Serena Williams, Coco Gauff, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Holger Rune and Simona Halep.
Djokovic will get either get compatriot Miomir Kecmanovic or Argentinean hope Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the opener at Paris Masters next week. ATP #1 will be looking to extend his title-haul in Paris to record-expanding 7th title.